KAUNAKAKAI, Molokai (KHON2) — Two of the world’s most prestigious canoe races, Nā Wāhine o Ke Kai and Molokaʻi Hoe, don’t just showcase paddling power. On Molokaʻi, they fuel one of the island’s biggest economic boosts of the year.
Every fall, Molokaʻi transforms into the center of the paddling world, and for local businesses, the back-to-back races bring new energy and new money into the island economy.
“When it happens on Molokaʻi, it’s such a huge economic boost to our local stores,” explained Tylor Tanaka, at the Molokaʻi Economic Small Business Center and owner of Tylor Tanaka. “If you walk down Kaunakakai, the owners are moms and pops — they look forward to this every year.”
From grocery stores to general stores, sales surge. At N8V Built, owner Kenny Adachi said the races can bring ten times more customers than a normal weekend.
“Last year, we ran out of Molokaʻi t-shirts and hats. This year we know what to expect — more product, more designs with Molokaʻi and paddling,” he said. He prints his own shirts and will feature more Molokaʻi gear, along with his wife’s Hawaiian brand company as well.
Even bulk stores like Da Hotspot and Molokaʻi staples like Misaki’s see a rush for snacks, drinks, and supplies and they stock up ahead of time on items like water and healthy snacks.
“It’s one of our busier weeks throughout the year,” explained Ashleigh Dudoit who works at Da Hotspot in Kaunakakai. “We love to see new faces, and we get a lot of support from paddlers and visitors.”
“It’s well-rounded, it benefits everyone,” explained Kumu Spencer Misaki. “Hotels are booked, rental cars are booked, everyone’s happy.”
Nā Wāhine kicks off with the Kū Lā’ia block party in Kaunakakai, drawing thousands with food, crafts, music, and hula. The men’s race follows with Aloha Week festivities.
“It’s really a time Molokaʻi shines. People open their homes, lend out cars, and pull together as an island,” Tanaka added.
And while the races bring thousands of visitors, community leaders stress the importance of giving back to Molokaʻi.
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“I’d recommend visitors support our local businesses. Buy water, snacks, whatever you need here,” said Jana Sasada, owner of Hale Ola Essentials & Maunaloa General Store. “This is the one chance we get to have business boom a bit.”
Organizers said between paddlers, support crews, and spectators, thousands flood Molokaʻi for race week — making it one of the island’s most impactful traditions, both culturally and economically.